Best Foot Forward – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Best Foot Forward

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

81%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

Homeschooled kid navigates public school with surprisingly real parents and middle-grade heart—Apple TV+'s quiet gem you probably missed.

7.1/10

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Best Foot Forward

show

TV-G, 2022

81%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

Homeschooled kid navigates public school with surprisingly real parents and middle-grade heart—Apple TV+'s quiet gem you probably missed.

7.1

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7.1/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Best Foot Forward is one of those shows that does the fundamentals well without trying to be the next viral sensation. The family dynamics have actual depth, the premise is relatable without being preachy, and it sits comfortably in that middle-grade zone where kids can see themselves without feeling pandered to.

The Apple TV+ exclusivity means fewer kids have discovered it, which is a shame because it's solid comfort viewing with heart. It won't blow anyone's mind, but it also won't make you cringe when your kid asks to watch another episode. That's worth something.

If your family already has Apple TV+ and you're looking for something warm, grounded, and emotionally intelligent for the 8-12 crowd, this is a safe bet. Just don't expect it to become their new obsession—it's more 'steady favorite' than 'cultural phenomenon.'

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-13 who are navigating their own social worlds and appreciate character-driven stories. The emotional authenticity will resonate most with kids in that middle-grade sweet spot who are ready for nuanced family dynamics but not yet eye-rolling at wholesome content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on Common Sense Media's age 8+ rating and parent reviews highlighting strong, empathetic, and flawed parents with welcome depth in the middle-grade genre, this show models healthy family dynamics and emotional authenticity. The premise of a homeschooled kid navigating public school offers relatable challenges without manufactured drama or chaotic pacing.

Imaginative

The fish-out-of-water premise of transitioning from homeschool to traditional school has potential for creative storytelling, but there's limited evidence of particularly inventive execution. The comedy-drama-family genre blend suggests character-driven situations rather than world-building or fantastical exploration. It's more grounded realism than imaginative spark.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+, and parent reviews emphasize the positive family dynamics without noting concerning content. Apple TV+ has kids mode available. The family-comedy-drama genre typically avoids surprise violence, mature themes, or inappropriate content. No red flags in available data about unexpected triggers or age-inappropriate material.

Enriching

The show tackles real social-emotional territory: adapting to new environments, navigating peer relationships, and family dynamics with depth. Common Sense Media's positive framing of the parents as 'strong, empathetic, and flawed' suggests meaningful character development and life lessons about resilience and acceptance, though without more specifics it's hard to gauge how deeply it explores these themes beyond surface entertainment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Parents who actually feel like people—flawed, empathetic, and dimensional instead of cardboard cutouts
Tackles the homeschool-to-public-school transition with authenticity that resonates for any kid facing big changes
Age 8+ sweet spot means genuine middle-grade content without talking down or aging up artificially
Apple TV+ production quality without the cynicism or overstimulation of network kids' programming

⚠

What to Watch For

Requires Apple TV+ subscription, so accessibility is limited compared to Netflix or Disney+
The premise is grounded and relatable, not flashy—kids expecting high-octane action will be bored
Limited buzz means your kid might be the only one at school who's seen it (could be pro or con depending on your child)

Conversation Starters

"Josh is dealing with being the new kid—have you ever felt like an outsider? What helped you feel more comfortable?"
"The show has parents who make mistakes but try their best. What's something you wish we (parents) understood better about your world?"
"If you could design your perfect school day, what would it look like? What parts of Josh's experience seem hardest to you?"

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